MAHO--Maho Beach will come alive early this Sunday, not with plane spotters but rather with St. Maarten's triathletes who will be coming out to challenge each other in three short triathlons.
The first race gets underway at 7:00am with swimmers covering the 200-metre distance along the shore line of Maho Beach.
Upon exiting the water, they will head into the transition area at Sunset Beach Bar and grab their bicycles before riding towards the airport to start the 8K cycling portion of the race. Three laps between the Maho roundabout and the "Pelican Roundabout" at the airport is all it takes to finish this discipline before the 2Km run into Beacon Hill.
Faster athletes like Gregory Pigeon, last year's 2nd place overall finisher, will complete this first race in under 30-minutes, and will have another 30 minutes to recover before starting the 2nd of the three triathlons at 8:00am. This second event will begin with the run, and will continue with the swim and then finish up with the ride, while the third event at 9:00am will start with the swim once again, but follow a different sequence than the first race, finishing with the ride instead of the run.
"This is the most popular event in the year for beginners attempting their first triathlon," noted Susy Piscione, board member of the Friendly Island Triathlon Association (FITA). "My father, Malcolm Maidwell, the founder of FITA, found this the most enjoyable event to organize as it encouraged beginners and those looking for a fitter lifestyle. It is doable by anyone due to the short distances, and it is not necessary to complete all three races - just one will do."
Prizes are awarded to those who participate in all three events, but times are posted for everyone, so even those completing one race will be able to compare their speeds to the more experienced athletes.
Registration takes place until Saturday at 3:00pm at both Tri-Sport locations in Simpson Bay and Marigot and the entry fee is $15 per person or $10 for Juniors and members of FITA. Breakfast is included after the event.
